Shows
Passion for Dance189. Making It as a Professional Dancer: Auditions, Branding, and Career Advice with Justine MenterToday’s episode is all about making it as a professional dancer. My guest, Justine Menter, has over 15 years of experience in LA's entertainment industry as a choreographer, educator, and entrepreneur. She hosts her own podcast, Dance Careers Unfiltered, and she's the founder of MNTR MGMT, career coaching for dance artists. Justine has so much insight into what it takes to make it as a professional. In this episode, she shares the pros and cons of being a freelance dancer, how she works through hard decisions, professional career paths you might not have previously considered, the mindset of...2024-12-1241 min
Dance Careers: UnfilteredBoosting your Mental Skills will actually Boost your Career. Here's Why. -- with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti & Kirsten KempToday’s guests are Dr. Chelsea Pierotti and Kirsten kemp. Both Chelsea and Kirtsen help dancers with mental skills to improve their performance and enhance their careers and lives. As y'all know, I love diving deep into the psychology realm, so we got right into it and talked about:How defining values can help guide your pathThe fears and insecurities dancers face and actionable ways to overcome themHow to build your confidence in a positive wayDr. Chelsea Pierotti is a former professional dancer and currently works as...2024-03-1934 minDance Careers: UnfilteredAsk and you shall receive: Self-advocacy and leadership -- with Riley GrootToday’s guest is the ever so talented professional dancer @RileyGroot. You may have just seen her dancing next to Katy Perry in her Las Vegas residency, but I know Riley from her time as a student at AMDA college here in LA and have had the pleasure of witnessing her career unfold over the years. She's been on “American Horror Story”, the MTV Video Music Awards with BLACKPINK, Disney’s Christmas Spectacular, the Grammys, Billboard music awards, to name a few. We chat about:How being a reliable dancer can provide more opportunitiesWhy connections are the most importan...2024-03-1238 minDance Careers: UnfilteredHow to incorporate Strength Training for your Dancers -- with @trainwithKendallKendall Baab is a personal trainer for dancers and dance science educator based in Los Angeles. I met Kendall online actually and I totally aligned with her philosophies. Her business, BodyKinect, has made dance science education accessible for dancers and dance educators - which is so incredibly important. We chat about:Our shared experiences of being on Texas drill teamsThe biggest challenges dancers face when training - both physically and mentallyHow social media can lead to injury and perfectionismThe importance of body autonomy and self advocacyWebsite: https://bodykinect.orgInstagram @trainwithkendall Kendall...2024-03-0534 minDance Careers: UnfilteredCurious about the European Dance Scene? Listen to this. -- with Italy's Fortuna PicardiI'm thrilled to welcome my first international guest, Fortuna Picardi, from Italy. She is an Italian talent manager and dancer and started her career as a talent manager in 2020 with Be a Pro agency. It was really cool to connect with someone from overseas and see the parallels of dancers in general, but also hear about how things are different in Italy. We chat about:The dance scene in ItalyHer transition into being a talent managerHow dancers on her roster can gain more attention and train more effectivelyThe biggest mistakes dancers make with their headshotsIG @f...2024-02-2735 minDance Careers: UnfilteredA Dancer's Guide to Networking like a Boss -- with Mikey DellaVellaToday's guest is the effortlessly cool Mikey Dellavella. I know Mikey through his fiance Maryann Chavez and we're all faculty members for Souldesoul Dance Convention. I really love this episode. We get real, as per usual, and talk about:Typecasting and rejection - starting your career out this way and figuring out your laneHis journey into the acting worldBeing bold and assertive as a dancer so you don’t get lost in the mixwww.YouTube.com/mikeydellavellawww.Instagram.com/mikeydellavellawww.TikTok.com/mdellavellaMikey Dellavella comes from upstate New York wi...2024-02-2035 minDance Careers: UnfilteredTips for Building a Smart + Sustainable Career -- with @thebrainyballerina Caitlin SloanTodays guest is the lovely caitlin sloan, AKA @thebrainyballerina. You may have seen her popping up on your explore page every now and then with her poignant posts about professional ballerinas, but she also gets real candid with me today on the pod. We chat about the stigma behind shifting focus away from performing in your dance career, juggling self care, and how to get past the ick in social media. IG @thebrainyballerinaWebsiteHi there! 👋🏻 I’m Caitlin, a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI. I received m...2024-02-1327 minDance Careers: UnfilteredHow to Pursue your Dance Career with Authenticity -- with Gerran ReeseToday’s guest is @iamgerranReese dancer, choreographer, educator galore. I’ve known Gerran now for almost 15 years (!) through lots of different dance education spaces - and I’m so excited I was finally able to get him on the pod. Gerran is super inspirational in so many ways and we chat about:The differences between regular weekly classes and more program based trainingknowing yourself, your strengths/weaknesses, defining your own version of success in dance. How to research and pay close attention to what inspires you before you start your career. Hi! I am Gerran Reese, I have bee...2024-02-0637 minDance Careers: UnfilteredCan You Do it All?Can you make a sustainable living as a dancer?Will this work? Will I make it?What does the cheesecake factory have to do with my professional dance career? How do I juggle multiple creative aspirations? Lots of questions answered and food for thought in today's episode. This is definitely one to save for later when you're feeling overwhelmed by your ambition and societal demands. Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm...2024-01-3012 minDance Careers: UnfilteredConquering Audition + Performance Stress -- with Danscend's Michelle & KristinToday’s guests are Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux from Danscend, the mental wellness company for dance educators and dancers. These 2 are no strangers to the podcast, having had episodes on both seasons 1 and 2 of the pod. I love chatting with them because we dive deep on all the things behind the scenes no one is talking about. We chat about how the mental wellness space for dancers is evolving and complicated, negative self-talk that dancers endure, and specific exercises for easing anxiety surrounding auditions.@danscendofficialHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind th...2024-01-2333 minDance Careers: UnfilteredCareer Spotlight: Contemporary Dancers in LA with Michaela Moore + Nicole HagenWhen you think of dance in LA, you think commercial. But there is actually a pretty large community of contemporary dance companies in LA doing amazing things. Today’s episode is a Career Spotlight episode and we are highlighting contemporary dance company experiences in Los Angeles. My guests, Michaela Moore and Nicole Hagen, both have a plethora of experience not only as dancers in LA, but also serving in different roles like rehearsal director, community liaisons and marketing. We chat about:the lengthy process of auditioningfiguring out the mutual relationship between company and company memberthe best advice for th...2024-01-1634 minDance Careers: UnfilteredBehind the Scenes of the LA Dance Industry -- with Yoe Apolinario (Dancer + Author)Yoe Apolinario has danced for artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Usher, Cardi B and many more and is dishing it all in today's episode. She’s also a published author of two works, “Cafe Con Leche” and her newest book “So You Wanna Move to LA” - a vulnerable, inside look at her journey in the dance industry in LA. I’m a big fan of Yoe's positive energy and we chat about:Her quest in becoming an authorThe behind the scenes of her 3 year experience as a dancer in Usher’s Las Vegas residencyThe untold challenges dancers face in auditi...2024-01-0933 minDance Careers: Unfiltered5 Misconceptions about Professional Dancers: debunkedWe've really done our job when people don't understand or realize the grit, blood, sweat and tears that go into sustaining a career in the arts. It's hard work! I'm diving in and debunking these 5 misconceptions that people may have about dancers.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast...2023-11-1413 minDance Careers: UnfilteredBalancing Artistry with Business as a Choreographer in someone else’s studio -- with Rachael MarkarianRachael is a past guest on the podcast and is such a badass. Any kind of job you can think of as a dancer, she has done it - world tours, super bowl halftime shows, feature films, TV shows, the grammy’s, and most recently, was an actress in Top Gun: Maverick. We chat about everything from the writers and actors strikes, to recognizing the ebbs and flows of being a working artist, the nuances of working as a guest choreographer in someone else's studio, and saying no to jobs with grace.Website - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net...2023-11-0735 minDance Careers: UnfilteredNot getting feedback? Here's What to do InsteadGetting cut and not understanding why? This episode will create a lot of clarity as to why you aren't getting that feedback we so crave as humans and artists. Also concrete suggestions for things to do create that closure and clarity for yourself.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the...2023-10-3109 minDance Careers: UnfilteredWays to Hack your Instagram Game -- with Amy Leisner @a18mediaIf you’ve ever asked yourself “What do I post??” or “How Often do I post??”, then this is the episode for you. Today’s guest, Amy Leisner, after working for Discount Dance, started her own company, A18 Media, a social media agency for dance studios and professionals.We chat allll the things:RepurposingBio basicsStory highlightsPinned postshashtagsand everything in betweenI love this chat because it is SO pertinent for dancers right now who are wondering the who, what when and how for posting on social media. we also chat about some of the roadblocks to posting...2023-10-2435 minDance Careers: UnfilteredCareer Spotlight: Universal Studios Performers Kate Coleman & Jolene FisherLiterally everything you need to know about being a Universal performer! This is the debut of a brand new episode type for the podcast: Career Spotlights. Kate Coleman and Jolene Fisher are former students of mine who have both been performing at Universal Studios in Hollywood for many years. I figured the name of this podcasts is "dance careers", so I may as well start talking about different kinds.We chat:how they got their jobs (different roles, same park)what a "day in the life" is like (how many shows, rehearsal process, etc)makeup +...2023-10-1739 minDance Careers: UnfilteredWhy putting yourself FIRST is paramount to your career -- with Charity BaroniSelf-care isn't selfish. It's paramount. Charity Baroni joins me on the pod to discuss her prolific career as a dancer in LA (2 Taylor tours?!, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, etc), and why recognizing we are all human drove her career further along than anything else. We also dive in to the realities of being a tour dancer, what it was like watching the ERA'S tour as her former dancer, and the mental well-being of professional dancers.IG @CharitybaroniCharitybaroni.com Charity Baroni was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She moved to Los Angeles in 2008 a...2023-10-1029 minDance Careers: UnfilteredParalyzed by Perfectionism? How to re-frame and re-claim your mindsetYou ever go to post something on social media and then start scrutinizing every minute detail.. and then eventually just give up and not post it at all? Yup. This is something we ALL can relate to as artists. And it's even more at the forefront nowadays with social media's "compare and despair". In this episode I break down 3 key things you can remember to change your mindset, focus on what matters most and thrive in your career in the arts. DM me 'perfectionism' to make a plan to beat this and we can thrive - to...2023-10-0314 minDance Careers: UnfilteredThe Art of Taking Class in LA -- with Miller Daurey @backtogreatTackling the nuances of filming in class, today I'm joined by Miller daurey, ex-pro dancer who quit at 19, returned to dance 25 years later and is now documenting the whole thing online. Miller has been garnering a lot of attention online for his candid videos about the dance industry in LA. So we talked a lot about:what it was like for him to return to dance both physically and emotionallythe biggest changes he's noticed in the industrythe ever-evolving state of class culture here in LA Youtube Docu-series: https://www.youtube.com/@BackToGreatInstagram: https://www.in...2023-09-2635 minDance Careers: UnfilteredBoundaries and how to determine if a Job is Worth it.It's so hard saying no to work. But how do you determine if a job is right for you or not? It's complicated, and as freelance artists, we are actively seeking work - so how do you turn it down? Boundaries are super important, and it's a work in progress.In this episode I break down the F.A.C.T.S. method to use as a parameter in determining if a job is worth it for you. Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in t...2023-09-1911 minDance Careers: UnfilteredSubmitting for Rep and not hearing back? Listen to this. -- with MTA's Jim KeithIf you caught last season’s premiere, then you know that Jim Keith (Owner, President, Sr. Agent at Movement Talent Agency in LA and NY) is as candid as it gets. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Jim, once again, lays it all on line to discuss:submitting for representationthe current state of the industry (strikes, covid, A.I. oh my!)the differences between the dance scenes: NY vs. LAJim on IGMovement Agency Website // MTA on IGHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MG...2023-09-1250 minDance Careers: UnfilteredSeason 3 TrailerYall. We back! It's time for Season 3. Please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss any episodes. Stay tuned :)Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt2023-09-0500 minDance Careers: UnfilteredHow to set yourself up for Success in the Industry — with Antoine TroupeI couldn’t think of a better person to wrap up season 2 with. Antoine Troupe is SO motivational. He talks a lot about success: what that means to him and how other successful people function outside the dance world. Antoine openly shares so much and gives actionable tips to help get your mind (and business!) right. self-development and being a student of life the biggest mindset mistakes dancers make when they first move to LAHow to be proactive instead of reactive in your life both professionally and personally Instagram:@troupe.brand@troupedance.co@antoinetroupe2023-06-0634 minDance Careers: UnfilteredSecrets to Enjoying your Dance Career -- with Dance Professionals Nationwide (Adulting + Dance Part 2)I'm positively BEAMING listening and producing this episode. What a treat to have so much insight from people with vast and eclectic backgrounds in dance. So, what ARE the positives to pursuing a career in dance? Industry professionals from all across the country weigh in on how their careers fulfill them and their best piece of advice for anyone looking to do their job. We hear from: professional dancers, dance instructors, social media/marketing specialists, entrepreneurs, coaches, a sports psychologist, and more.Artists featured in this episode: John Barrella, Kendra Hagen, Taylor Hansen, Claire Kampschroeder, Lyndsey Beck...2023-05-3016 minDance Careers: UnfilteredHow to Get Untangled as a Creative Multi-Hyphenate -- with Galit FriedlanderDo you wear a lot of hats? Have a lot of different interests? Crave creativity in many mediums? This is the episode for you. Galit Friedlander (Prince, Pharrell, WNBA, Doctors for Dancers) Dancespeak Podcast Host, Choreographer and Educator, joins me to chat about all the nuances of living a life of artistry and the diving deep I love so much. aligning your values with your gigs how “not feeling seen” affects us taking action in our self development to improve our artistry One year after graduating from the ‘FAME’ school (LaGuardia) as a theatre major, Galit moved to Los Angel...2023-05-2334 minDance Careers: UnfilteredAdulting + Dance: Moving Beyond the Stage and why its OK (part 1)I ran a dance careers survey last week and collected some data about peoples jobs in the dance world, and leave some insight about their experience. This episode aims to accomplish a few things: erase the stigma of deciding not to be a performer anymoreexplain how dance can teach us and lead us to different career pathsexplore the possibilities of being a dance professional and not a professional dancer. There's lots of diving deep in this episode of how we live our lives as artists, and also a lot of hard data that I was able to us...2023-05-1615 minDance Careers: UnfilteredThe Realities of College Dance Programs -- with Julie FriedrichDid you go (or are you considering going) to college for dance? It's pretty cutthroat out there and my incredible guest, contemporary and ballet diva, Julie Friedrich, discusses the pro's and con's of going to college for dance, how she's paved her own path professionally (5:00) and how she mentors dancers through her own program (10:42). Julie Friedrich’s distinguished career as a professional dancer, mentor, and dance educator in the areas of ballet and contemporary dance spans more than 20 years. Julie received her primary dance education from Meredith Baylis of the Joffrey Ballet School and the Los Angeles Cou...2023-05-0934 minDance Careers: UnfilteredIn-Between Gigs? 10 Productive Ways to Spend your DowntimeAuditions have been slower here in LA. For a multitude of reasons. It has me reflecting and brainstorming productive and affordable ways to keep making progress without being in the audition/gig hustle. I came up with a TOP 10 LIST. I dropped it below, and all the juicy details (and actionable tips) are inside the episode:Update your marketing materials Self-CareCurate a list of Connections/networking opportunitiesEnjoy the downtimeVision/Mood Board Creation and/or partyAuditions AuditMeal plan + prepPlan time away from social mediaJournalMeet with a mentorLet me know which one(s) you try :)He...2023-05-0216 minDance Careers: UnfilteredSAG/AFTRA Explained + former dance agent dishes ALL — with Janee LynchI’m thrilled to bring you a conversation I had with my former agent, Janee Lynch, who is now a senior business executive for SAG/AFTRA in LA. Because of her vast experience in the entertainment industry, I had to pick her brain on her time as an agent as well as the pivot to working for the union and being a full time advocate for dancers’ rights. I spent a really formative time of my career with Janee as my rep and it’s very special to me that she was able to take the time to drop her kn...2023-04-2532 minDance Careers: UnfilteredThe Lowdown on Industry ResumesBust our your notes app, I'm breaking down the basics to commercial dance resumes and a few most frequently asked questions. In this episode, you'll learn:why you need a resume and what kinds of jobs you'll submit them forthe structure of industry resumes and how they differ from "real life" oneshow to organize/save/edit themmy tried and true guidelines for both the training and special skills sectionsAlready have a resume? great! This is a great place to check-in and make sure its hitting all the marks. Don't have a resume? great! This is a...2023-04-1817 minDance Careers: UnfilteredCurious about the NYC Dancer Journey? Listen to this. -- with Courtney OrtizSuper stoked to have the amazing Courtney Ortiz from Making the Impact Podcast join me for today's episode. She wears many hats in the industry and we really just have an honest conversation about real-life issues in the dance world, no matter what coast you are on. I love hearing the different perspective and current trends happening in NYC, and we also dive in to:How auditioning in NYC (and in general) has changed since the pandemicHow to break barriers in the beginning of your careerReal life survival jobs and how they fit in to your unconventional lifestyleWhy...2023-04-1133 minDance Careers: Unfiltered3 Hard Truths Every Professional Dancer Needs to HearI'm diving deep in this episode to talk about the nuances of accepting certain realities we all face as dance professionals. Conquering perfectionism, playing the comparison game, feeling like we're on a never-ending hamster wheel of auditions, jobs and training - are all VERY challenging. But it doesn't have to be, if we adjust our expectations in a healthy way.These are 3 hard truths that I base this episode around:1️⃣ there is no “there” or “you’ve made it”, only a next2️⃣ there’s always going to be someone in the room who is more talented than y...2023-04-0415 minDance Careers: UnfilteredWhat putting in the work in 2023 is all about — with Brandon HenschelBrandon Henschel is the current resident director for the new show Awakening at the Wynn in Las Vegas. This was an incredible conversation with an industry vet who is equal parts, professional, and kind. In this episode, you’ll learn about:how he landed his first gig with Britneythe biggest differences in the industry now and how young dancers can step uphow being malleable on set will make you more cast-able in the future.This episode will leave you feeling inspired to put in the WORK and keep going. 💪 buckle up@thebrandonhenschelBrandon Hensc...2023-03-2830 min
Making The Impact - A Dance Competition PodcastHow To Brand Yourself As A DancerGuests - Justine Menter and Sam QuinnHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorIn Episode 138 of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast, IDA judge and publicist Sam Quinn and industry coach and dance educator Justine Menter join us to talk about the ins and outs of personal branding for dancers.Topics Include: What branding actually is in the dance industry today Best practices in social media branding How parents should be involved in their child's personal brand...2023-03-231h 12Dance Careers: UnfilteredDance Reels vs. Skill Clips: Which is Better?Let's get REEL: A topic that's near and dear to my heart. I've been working on promo content for dancers for over 10 years here in LA. Video content is one of the most important tools you can have in your toolbox to use for auditions, submissions and networking. In this episode, I dive in to:the differences between dance reels and skills clipswhich one is better for submitting yourselfhow to decide what to shoot or use in your reelthe mindset shift you need to finally make your new oneIf you haven't already, check out justinementer.com...2023-03-2115 minDance Careers: UnfilteredA Fresh (Life-Changing) Way to Approach Dance and Life — with Ali PhillipsDances lessons are life lessons, right? My love for diving deep is fully realized in this episode with dance business coach Ali Phillips. I loveee going into the psychology behind what we do- so thank you Ali! She discusses:switching from human DOing --> human BEingeliminating the scarcity mindsether conscious dance leadership philosophywhy you really do need to write that follow up email (or 2!)www.bustamovedance.com.auwww.aliphillips.org@bamdance_@aliphillips.officialAli Phillips is a passionate Dancer, Teacher and Leader from Brisbane, Australia.Her experience in dance...2023-03-1442 minDance Careers: UnfilteredCultivating Community + Fostering Relationships in a Harsh Industry -- with Eliotte Nicole, Mackenzie Martin & Taylor HansenI'm so excited to have my dear friends (Eliotte Nicole, Mackenzie Martin, Taylor Hansen) of 10+ years in LA join me in this very special episode. Revisiting this in the editing process was everything I needed and more to put the biggest smile on my face and remind myself of the power of community. I highly respect each of these incredible humans and they share beautiful insight on the importance of community, how not to be a creeper when developing new relationships (aka networking), and the beauty of friendship in a harsh industry. @eliottenicole@_mackenzie_martin_...2023-03-071h 00Dance Careers: UnfilteredConquering Industry Pressure -- with Jamal WadeAuthenticity, kindness and integrity go a long way, right? Do you ever feel a pressure in the industry to act a certain way or be a particular kind of person? I know that I have felt this and many people I know from the last 15 years in LA have struggled with this. You think you have to adopt a certain kind of person to fit in or be accepted. I am stoked to share the conversation with my former student, Jamal Wade, who just recently directed Tinashe’s latest music video. He truly embodies a genuine, positive ene...2023-02-2829 minDance Careers: UnfilteredHow to Evaluate a Dance Mentorship ProgramI’m sure you’ve noticed the influx of mentorship programs in the dance industry in the last couple years. Clearly, I’m not the exception. But I thought I’d put together 5 things to remember and use to evaluate different programs that may be sparking your interest. In this episode I’m breaking down:How to figure out if the program/mentor is right for youWhy it might be beneficial for you to join oneHow to align your goals, program outcomes and work ethic.Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT...2023-02-2117 minDance Careers: UnfilteredFind your Creative Outlet in.. Podcasting? — with Krystle Frey of Pivot Ball ChangeDoes it seem like every dancer and their mother is starting up a podcast?Well, it might be true. And hi 🙋♀️ But for real - It’s been a really fun way to let out some creativity, share insight from over 15 years in the biz, and, most importantly, connect with industry peers who I truly admire. Any interest in what it takes to start a podcast of your own? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Krystle Frey, who is a former pro dancer and Podcast Editor with Pivot Ball Change. She breaks down: Th...2023-02-1434 min
The Dance CEO Podcast8. Guest: Justine Menter - Your Branding Is YOUBranding is so much more than a logo and color choices. Join Justine Menter and I as we discuss what really goes into branding and how it helps you gain more clients and work. Justine also shares how she built her first and then second businesses and why different reiterations occurred in both. You can follow Justine on Instagram @mntr.mgmt Make sure to follow me, Audra Allen, your host, on Instagram @thedanceceocoach for the behind the scenes and additional content.2023-02-0945 minDance Careers: UnfilteredWhere Do I Even Start? Answering the 3 Most asked Questions from my DM'sAfter 2+ years of running my business online, I've had the privilege of talking to hundreds of dancers about their most pressing issues. I wanted to come through and highlight some of my most asked questions because the insight is REAL on this one and I want to share.The top 3 one's I'm discussing today. And yall, we're diving DEEP Where do I even start?How do I find more work and opportunities as a dancer?How do I best promote myself on social media?If you find yourself asking any of these questions, or if y...2023-02-0725 minDance Careers: UnfilteredHow to Turn Mistakes into Opportunities -- with Henrique Quos & Valentino Vladimirov (HQV2 Creative)What happens when you hear the word “no”? Do you use it as a fuel to keep going, or let it hold you back? Henrique and Valentino of HQV2 Creative share their thoughts on making mistakes along your journey and how to make the most of them. They have such a warm, positive energy - and it's all good vibes in this episode where we chat about:the love of learning and how that takes you farhow being present and vulnerable makes you an attractive dancerwhat creative directors look for when hiring dancers@henriquos@vvladimirov@hqv2...2023-01-3135 minDance Careers: UnfilteredWhen to Switch Agents? Spilling the Tea on my Journey with LA AgenciesBaring it ALL today: How I got startedHow I made some first moves on MySpace (!!)How I got my first agentWhat I did when I got dropped from an agentWhat I considered when switching agentsWhat you should consider when trying to either gain representation OR maximize your current agency relationshipHow to balance two separate agentsI have not shared a lot of my OWN story, even though this is my podcast. Even though it sometimes feels icky to me (and I'm certainly not going to be doing this every solo episode), I think it's important to be v...2023-01-2420 minDance Careers: UnfilteredYou are your Own Business. Here's Why -- with Audra AllenToday I'm joined by the positive and savvy Audra Allen from the Dance CEO Coach. If you've been feeling that itch to start a side hustle, monetize a skill, service or product, this is the episode to get you pumped up and ready for action. We chat:the pros and con's of dance degreesperspective on balance in your personal and professional lifepersonality and vibes when branding yourself both online and in-personFirst steps to starting an online businessTake notes, yall!You can connect with Audra on Instagram @thedanceceocoachAudra Allen, CEO & Founder of...2023-01-1734 minDance Careers: Unfiltered5 Simple Tips to Boost your Digital Presence in 2023Every January is the same song and dance. "New year, new you" they say. I personally think it's impossible to achieve a whole new you in 1 year and I also do not like that pressure! I do, however, think it's a great excuse to reassess what's working, what sucked, and take stock of your priorities. I wanted to come up with a list of ACTIONABLE STEPS you can take right now to boost your digital presence. I also created a free handout for step #1 "what to do before you make a dance reel" that you can download f...2023-01-1019 minDance Careers: UnfilteredKeeping it Fresh + Staying Present -- with Chonique SneedChatting with Cho is always a breath of fresh air. First of all, she is the queen of analogies and dropped so many in this episode. It's always amazing for me to hear the people with the most experience in our industry and their perspectives. I listened to this a few times and each time had a different takeaway. Chonique has that effect on people. You'll learn about: - staying patient and how to surrender to it- how to keep your creative juices flowing amidst so much pressure- chonique's best tip for manifesting...2023-01-0339 minDance Careers: Unfiltered2022 Remix: Fave Moments from Year 1I cannot believe a full year has gone by since I started DC:U. What started as an Instagram live series has transpired into one of my fave creative projects to date.It was pretty amazing editing this episode and listening in marvel at all the incredible wisdom and insight we have all been able to soak up. This was never about me. I'm an educator. And as an educator, my community comes first. It's about giving actionable advice, hearing motivational stories, and staying inspired throughout the tribulations of our careers. There's always a bit of tough...2022-12-2714 minDance Careers: UnfilteredThe Best Advice For Your Next Headshot Session -- with @LnzyrosephotoLindsay Rosenberg is arguably one of THE top headshot photographers for dancers in Los Angeles. Not only did she come up in the dance industry (an agent at 12!) and have incredible insight on nailing your next headshot session, I just straight up enjoyed vibing with her. Headshots are your ticket in to auditions, so it's incredibly important to invest in the right photographer who knows the business/formula. This is the episode to soak up invaluable industry knowledge and crush your next shoot.You'll learn about:the relationship between dancer, agent, casting and photographerwhat headshots to...2022-12-2038 minDance Careers: Unfiltered3 Signs you Crushed 2022Does this even need a description?! I just want you to win. And I want you to recognize any win you've had this year, big or small. Listen in for 3 signs you freakin CRUSHED this year. And go ahead and celebrate, you deserve it.Some BIG changes happening in 2023. Make sure to subscribe if you haven't already so you get the dish first 2022-12-1313 minDance Careers: UnfilteredThe Industry Rollercoaster and How to Hang On -- with Michelle ElkinYou name it, Michelle Elkin has done it. She has had her hand in almost all facets of the industry - TV, film, theatre, education, all of it. She lives and breathes it. We chat about: how to stay grounded through the up's and down's of the industryher favorite way to cast dancersthe differences in creating for film vs. stageand oh so much more!Michelle on InstagramMichelle Elkin has served as Choreographer most recently for an episode of Young Sheldon (season 6, airing this Fall) and is currently in rehearsals for “13 the Musical”. Other Credits...2022-12-0634 minDance Careers: UnfilteredWays to get Unstuck & Beat the BurnoutI did a group coaching session and I really wanted to share the conversation. It was honest, open, and real - highlighting REAL LIFE dancer struggles of:- finding structure in a chaotic freelance world- juggling multiple passions- artist life post-pandemic Buckle up for some kick-in-your-pants advice, tough love, realness and some actionable advice to take back some control of your life. If this kinda thing resonates with you, this is your invitation to join us in the mntrU Crew :) Guest Insta's/Links:Megan HolemanBriar...2022-11-2933 minDance Careers: UnfilteredHow to Play to your Strengths -- with Jenni ThommasonSo thrilled to sit down with Jenni Thomasson, Dance Captain (and more!) for the incredible Todrick Hall, on this week's episode. Like a lot of my guests, Jenni is a former FLIRT Dancer and I've been thrilled to watch her journey with Todrick and see all the magic they have created. She is such a bright light in any space she is in. I'm grateful she took the time to talk about her journey, the digital dance world, playing to your strengths as an artist, and remembering your worth as a human first. Prepare for instant-inspo!@itsmejenniT2022-11-1545 minDance Careers: UnfilteredWhat's a Rebrand (and How Much Will it Cost You?)Branding... One of my favorite topics and I'm breakin' it DOWN! If you're thinking about changing your look, or just curious about what that would look like if you did in the future, I've laid out all the details. I dive into all costs involved, what it means for you, your agent and everything else ato take into consideration. When you want to chat about your look, HMU because I looooove chatting all things hair, aesthetics and branding. Book a free 1:1Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT...2022-11-0818 minDance Careers: UnfilteredSo you Wanna be an Actor? -- with Rachael MarkarianRachael's tenured career is quite impressive. But she is equally humble, eloquent, and kind. We talk a lot about:- how taking risks will drive your journey- making the leap into the acting world- letting the joy drive your career decisions- the differences in the Atlanta scene vs. LA. Rachaelmarkarian.net | IMDB | @RachaelMarkarianThe Dancer's Edge Rachael is a successful and multi-hyphenate artist with over 20yrs of experience working in the Entertainment Industry as a Pro-Dancer, Actress, Choreographer and Master Teacher. Her dance career began in Los A...2022-11-0135 minDance Careers: Unfiltered6 ideas to get through Constant RejectionI had a lot of revelations myself while recording this episode. I truly feel like this is an important topic that doesn't get talked about often. After 15+ years of navigating life in the industry in LA, I can say with certainty the rejection = redirection and it's all a part of the big picture that is your unique career.The reason this all came up was because of a guest blog post I did with Love Notes to LA - Thank you for bringing me on and sparking the inspiration for this post!I want to...2022-10-2518 minDance Careers: UnfilteredFinding your Niche in the Dance World -- with Cedric DoddI can't hold back the giggles in this episode - Cedric just has so many positive vibes and one-liners that get me every time. While I've known Cedric a long time (10+ years!?), it was important for me to peel back the layers and give everyone a glimpse into the drive, passion and hard work that he's poured into his career. We chat a lot about listening to your inner voice, being confident in your assets, and how that can help you carve your niche. Cedric Dodd is an AMDA alumni who received his BFA in Dance Theatre. C...2022-10-1833 minDance Careers: Unfiltered3 Ways Lack of Support is Holding You BackBeing an artist and a freelancer, can lead to a lot of time on the struggle bus. I recently had a revelation I wanted to share and dive deeper into: we. never. get. feedback! This is not just a bummer, but wildly stifling after leaving school that we are used to our whole lives.This is the first micro episode of tips/tricks/insights into the dance world that will be sandwiched in between my industry interviews. Let me know what you think!If you feel compelled to join the mntrU CREW, reach out :) 2022-10-1110 minDance Careers: UnfilteredThe Truth about Casting - with Movement Talent Agency's Jim KeithJim Keith, Founder, President and Sr. Agent at Movement Talent Agency in LA has been my choreography agent for 10 years. This episode is a recording from a zoom event we did (minus the exclusive Q&A section for participants) and it spills all. the. tea! If you want to know what's currently happening in the industry in regards to casting and what kind of materials you need, and even the best ways to stay on good terms with your agent, then this episode is for you, my friends! @jimkeith76@mntr.mgmt | mntrU Crew is here...2022-10-0450 minDance Careers: UnfilteredSeason 2: TrailerOk y'all. We're back! Welcome to Season 2 of Dance Careers: Unfiltered. This season I'm going to switch it up a bit. I'll still be a weekly podcast (now dropping on Tuesdays) but now I'll be posting interviews with badass/inspirational guests every other week and infuse the content with tips/tricks in between. I'm aiming to have all of these episodes easily digestible so you can use them to fuel your career growth, on-the-go. I'm SO excited to dive back into the nitty gritty behind the entertainment industry, have meaningful conversations with industry peers and dive deeper i...2022-09-3000 min